As a director of ‘Remembered, if Outlived,’ I wanted to create a gothic horror short film that explores themes of depression, the role of women throughout history, particularly in relation to the Magdalene laundries in Ireland, and the struggles of being an artist. Although set in the past, its themes remain startlingly relevant today. I was deeply influenced by Emily Dickinson, who struggled with mental illness and spent years isolated in her room, writing poetry that was only shared with the world after her death. Her haunting work and life story inspired me to tell a story about the struggles of a female artist in the 1800s. This film gives voice to the countless Irish women throughout history whose mental health was misunderstood or ignored, whose creativity was mocked, and whose choices were never truly their own. I wanted to capture how frightening and isolating mental illness can feel; the terror of spiralling, having nowhere to run, and longing to make the world stop. The film is also visually striking: the costumes and locations transport the audience back in time, while the sound design, score, and performances create an immersive and emotionally provocative experience. By the end, it will not simply feel like a horror film, but a tragedy.
